Debenham's designers lift sales

Debehams is expected to signal the restart of its store refurbishment programme this week, when it announces year-end trading figures.

The High Street chain is also thought to be opening new stores early, where possible, to capitalise on the popularity of its Designers at Debenhams ranges, which include John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Jasper Conran.

The redecoration of stores was put on hold after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, on September 15 last year, as chief executive Rob Templeman gauged the extent of the recession and initiated a plan to raise money through a share placing.

In June, it completed a £323m sale of shares providing it with cash to pay down debt and reduce interest repayments.

Analysts believe that a separate programme in the past three months to transfer floor space away from third-party concessions to own-bought Designer ranges has disrupted sales.

However, because the Designers ranges are more profitable, it is still expected to meet profit expectations.

Retailers will hit easy sales comparisons later this month after the anniversary of the collapse of Lehmans. However, they have warned that this should not be taken as a sign of a recovery.